VP commissions third Bujagali dam unit

Jun 01, 2012

Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has commissioned the third unit of Bujagali hydro electricity power dam

By Charles Kakamwa

Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has commissioned the third unit of  Bujagali hydro electricity power dam, bringing its current generation capacity to 150 megawatts.
 
Ssekandi who toured the dam yesterday expressed optimism over a boost in economic growth as a result of increased power generation and supply. He noted that for the past five years, several businesses were affected and some closed down due to constant loading shedding caused by inadequate power generation.
 
Ssekandi and several  officials including energy minister Irene Muloni were guided around the dam  by officials of Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL), the company implementing the multibillion shillings project
 
The vice president observed that with completion of Bujagali in July this year and the construction of other hydro-electricity power dams at Karuma and Ayago, there will be sufficient power generation to stimulate development,
 
"Those with plans of doing businesses and opening factories should not have fears as electricity will be in abundant supply," he observed.
 
Sekandi however challenged UMEME, the firm charged with power distribution to reduce losses incurred through distribution as a measure to contain the rising power tariffs. He added that leaders at the various levels should support efforts geared towards reduction of electricity tariffs.
 
"We have so far commissioned three units and looking forward to completion of the remaining two. Businesses suffered for a long time but there is light at the end of the tunnel," energy minister Irene Muloni added.
 
Bill Groth the BEL resident construction manager expressed satisfaction with the significant reduction in load shedding due to generation from the first three units, adding that   the fourth unit is undergoing a seven day mandatory test run.
 
When all five units are completed next month( July), Bujagali dam will be able to generate 250 megawatts of electricity, Groth said. The dam will then be commissioned by President
 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});